Checkout Lane: Stop the skidding with snow tires

Tuesday

Nov 30, 2010 at 12:01 AMNov 30, 2010 at 10:25 PM

When buying snow tires, consider how often and where you drive.

With snow season approaching, it may be time to consider a switch to snow tires.

Snow tires are not a requirement for all cars. Those with rear-wheel drive would benefit from winter tires more than those with front-wheel drive vehicles, said Bill Pica, owner of Highland Mechanics in Braintree, Mass.

“With front-wheel drive, you have a lot of grabbing power because of the weight in front,'' he said.

“Rear-wheel drive is definitely not as good as front wheel drive,'' said Dean Carlton, owner of Preferred Automotive in Weymouth, Mass., “but it doesn't matter what you have. Ice is ice, and unless you have traction, you're going to slide.''

When deciding whether to change your tires, consider how often and where you drive.

“If people commute far, we usually change all four to winter tires,'' Carlton said.

You should always buy four winter tires, not just two, to maximize stopping power and handling, Pica said.

Winter tires should be put on when it first starts to snow and taken off as soon the flakes stop falling, usually sometime in March.

“If you continue to drive on dry roads, they will wear out,'' Pica said.

When selecting snow tires, check quality ratings. The best tires will have a treadwear grade of 600, and a temperature and traction grade of AAA.

A low rating would be a 200 treadwear with a C temperature and traction grade.

As for tread depth, most new tires run at 11/32 inches, Carlton said. The lowest your tread depth should be is 3/32 inches.

One way to tell if your treads are worn out, other than just eyeballing it, is the penny test: If the tread covers Lincoln's head, the tire is still good, Carlton said.

Prices can vary, but snow tires cost from $90 to $150, Carlton said. Having a professional mount the tires should cost around $25 per tire.

How long your snow tires last will depend on how often and in what conditions you drive. They should be good for about 20,000 miles, Carlton said, which Pica estimated to be around five seasons.

Ashlee Fairey may be reached at afairey@ledger.com.

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